Meeting Shorts

Spring was in the air as busy business people from across Newark met after sunrise for the first time this year as they attended the April meeting of Newark Business Club.

Chaired by Amy Codd the meeting was opened with a note of congratulations to Cameron Ford from Reflect Recruitment, who recently won a charity game of Newark Monopoly organised by Duncan and Toplis.

Become the Master of Your Lawn

Ian Stephens from Lawn Master took to the stage to share some top tips for getting lawns ready for the summer.

Some of the main culprits damaging our beautiful English grass include moss, chafer beetles and fairy rings, but Ian provided some simple solutions for remedying them.

He also reminded people to clear away unnecessary items from any lawn area, especially if they’re off on holiday over Easter, as grass can become damaged if it’s covered with bikes, toys or garden furniture.

Ian recommended that grass should be kept between an inch and an inch and a half long – unless you’re playing croquet regularly.

Julie Reader-Sullivan spoke enthusiastically about the Future First Expo which will take place on Thursday 4th May at Lady Eastwood Pavilion, Newark Showground.

The expo, aimed at 16 to 18 year olds and members of the public who are considering a career change will focus on careers, training and education.

Several members of the club have offered to deliver expert speaker slots during the expo. These include Amy Codd from Chattertons, Simon Shaw from Duncan and Toplis, Steve Beeching, Lisa Whitehead from Get The Edge and Kerri Saxby from Shooting Star.

Newark in the Spotlight

Julie also reminded guests that there is plenty to do in and around Newark over Easter and encouraged people to visit local tourist locations and keep an eye on social media for future developments and campaigns.

The April Skill Share

Club members were invited to learn something new from one of eight specialists in the room during the first skill share session of the year.

Kiyth Fotitt taught self-defense in the car park, Kevin Guthrie gave insight into mind coaching, Kerri Saxby provided personal PR insights and Carrie Stack guided people on the legal aspects of wills, lasting power of attorney and probate.

Meanwhile, James Fountain shared his knowledge on branding, Steve Beeching educated people on the benefits of hydrogen cars, Cameron Ford shared recruitment tips and Cheryl Kerr raised awareness of the developments in apprenticeships.

Lawn Master has earned the reputation of being the most technically-proficient lawn care company in the UK.

With years of experience as lawn professionals they can create a perfect lawn for less than you might think.

Ian Stephens is your local representative across Nottinghamshire, Lincoln and surrounding areas.
He has worked on golf courses for 25 years, spending 15 years as a head greenkeeper.
He said: “All lawns, old and new, need attention and a regular maintenance programme. We do not cut lawns but we offer and implement a plan of seasonal applications to remove moss, weeds, thatch, disease, and to address poor quality growth.
At Lawn Master, everything is operated by experienced turf care professionals. Therefore, you can benefit from our knowledge and unique attention to detail, giving you a lawn that you can be proud of, and for no more cost than our competitors.

“All lawns are different. We offers a bespoke series of treatments that are tailored to your lawn.
An annual treatment plan, from as little as £18 per treatment, includes five treatments, in spring, summer, late summer, autumn and winter. You can start a Lawn Master treatment programme at any time of the year.

Even if you think your lawn cannot be saved, and that re-turfing is the only answer, there is a solution that costs a quarter of the price.

In 2008, Lawn Master created Regener8 to bring even the worst lawns back to life. The unique process restores lawns that have been treated before without success.

For a free quotation, including a lawn care information guide, call Ian on 0800 326 5015 or visit

Positive news from East Midlands Chamber

Manufacturing has accelerated into 2017, according to East Midlands Chamber

Quoting the results of the Quarterly Economic Survey for the first three months of the year, Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber*, said that performance so far this year has improved even when compared to the very positive end to 2016.

The survey, conducted every three months by the Chamber to build an accurate picture of the region’s economy, showed that in the first quarter of 2017:

• half of manufacturers saw growth in domestic sales and four-out-of-ten reported growth in overseas sales
• advance orders for both domestic and overseas markets were impressively up
• nearly half of manufacturers had increased their workforce to meet growing demand, although over half of those were still struggling to recruit suitably skilled staff
• a third of manufacturers said they planned to increase training budgets
• a quarter said they planned to invest in plant and machinery
• three-quarters said they expected turnover to rise in the coming year, and
• nearly six-out-of-ten anticipated profitability growth for the coming year.

Chris said: “It’s great to see our manufacturers accelerate into 2017, taking advantage of growth in both domestic and international markets, aided by a favourable pound for those exporting. In past surveys, many reported plans to grow into new markets and it may be that we’re starting to see some of those plans being realised.

East Midlands Chamber will give us a face to face update later in the year.

Funding for Innovation and Growth
Funding for Innovation and Growth Event - 9 May 2017
D2N2 Growth Hub is hosting a workshop (funded by the European Regional Development Fund), in partnership with The University of Nottingham on 9 May 2017 which is aimed at high growth SMEs who wish to grow their business through innovation.

This is a free event and is open to businesses across Derbyshire, Derby City, Nottinghamshire and Nottingham City. Delegates will learn how to access the £2.5 billion annual funding and support programmes for developing innovative products and services. There will be experts on hand to give advice and the opportunity to arrange follow-up one to one business support sessions.For more information can be found here.

Business Card Draw - Accounts 4 U

This month's winner of the business card draw was Annie Manning, Sage Accredited Specialist from Accounts 4 U.
Established in 2004, Annie's business offers the full range of services that you would expect from an Accounts/Bookkeeper service covering Sage Line 50, payroll, e-commerce solutions and ACT for Line 50.

Annie is also a specialist Sage Trainer, provides consultancy for new businessess and can provide holiday and emergency cover if required.

For more information visit accounts4u.biz or call 07733 090187

Next Meeting

Friday 5th May 7am

Everyday Champions Centre

Newark Business Club meets at the Everyday Champions Conference Centre at 7am. Entry fee £7.00 including coffee. Come early to secure a good seat.